Brake Shop in San Diego

5770 Autoport Mall, San Diego, CA 92121, United States

★★★★★
(77 reviews)
Specialties: Auto repair shop
Address
5770 Autoport Mall, San Diego, CA 92121, United States
Plus Code
VRH7+8V San Diego, California, USA
Time Zone
America/Los_Angeles

Business Hours

Monday
8 am–5 pm
Tuesday
8 am–5 pm
Wednesday
8 am–5 pm
Thursday
8 am–5 pm
Friday
8 am–5 pm
Saturday
9 am–3 pm
Sunday
Closed

Services

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Amenities
Mechanic Toilet
Planning
Appointments recommended
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards

Reviews

5.0
★★★★★
77 reviews

Most Mentioned

brakes (20) price (20) honest (9) mechanic (6) work (4) needs (2) inspection (2) drive (2) money (2)
5 stars
76
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
1
1 stars
0
★★★★★
March 12, 2025

Charlie’s prices are very competitive and fair! I have a 2017 E300 Mercedes with the AMG sport package and had the front brakes replaced, needless to say, his price was much better than the dealership!

★★★★★
December 17, 2024

Great experience today getting my rear brakes changed! Charlie completed the repair and gave me some insight into brake-related things to look out for in the future, given the status of my car. The service was timely as well. From the time I dropped my car off to the time I exited, it was only 1 hour. Service was fairly priced, and Charlie was friendly and seemed very honest. I will certainly be bringing my car back for future brake-related needs.

★★★★★
October 2, 2024

Charlie is fantastic. I've been going there for years with 4 different cars. Reliable and honest. I highly recommend Brake Shop.

★★
September 11, 2024

Yes, the owner is very nice . The work was done in a timely matter. I was charged $498 just to do the back drums and rotors. He charged me $339 for parts 99 for the pads and 240 for two rotors. The parts actually cost $95 at parts.com for the back set which they’re probably getting their parts even cheaper than that he charged me $150 in labor for two hours of work now I don’t mind the $150 in labor but when you charge me $239 over marking up parts I have an issue with that sorry I wouldn’t have minded paying $500 for a complete brake job but 500 for just the rear was way too much in my opinion I won’t be going back. and yes, the parts that I looked up are quality ceramic parts and they’re all about the same price 95 to 120 dollars. If you’re paying more for your parts, then I can get them online then I don’t understand how you’re in business. That’s not a good business decision and that’s why I think what you’re saying is not true.

★★★★★
July 31, 2024

No wonder why Charlie has 5 stars only. I stopped by and asked Charlie to check my brakes. He was extremely courteous and polite he said he does not work on high performance cars, yet still, he looked into on 4 brakes and here is the best, he goes: you have no need for brake replacement and explained few things about brakes noise, squeaking and so on. He also told me about a couple of other shops that works on AMGs & Porsches in case I need. What a guy. I was really amazed but his attention. If you are in need of brake job you won’t regret giving Charlie a try.

★★★★★
March 16, 2024

Charlie is super nice, very honest, and I was lucky enough that he was able to do my brakes (pads and rotors) on my Honda CR-V on the same day I called. Probably because of St. Patricks day weekend. ☺️ 100% recommend him!

★★★★★
March 4, 2024

I had the front brakes & rotors replaced by Mr. Charlie, a brake specialist. He is a friendly and honest gentleman. I highly recommend that everyone visit here before they lose their hard-earned money elsewhere! Thanks.

Review photo
Review photo
★★★★★
January 31, 2024

They did a great job replacing my rotors. My car feels good and safe to drive again. They gave us a quote and we asked around to compare and they still had the best prices. They work fast too. I had a great experience with them.

★★★★★
Verified Reviewer
October 24, 2024

I moved to Oregon 3 years ago & my family still do business with Frank. Just took care of my sons Camry break today . Honest guy & i strongly recommend anyone to do business with them . Thanks Frank

★★★★★
October 24, 2024

Friendly, knowledgeable, honest service at a good price.

★★★★★
August 24, 2024

I am so delighted to have found this place. Charlie was fair honest and treated me with respect. Highly recommend

★★★★★
July 24, 2024

Good

★★★★★
March 24, 2024

Couldnt be happier! Gave me a great deal and had it done quicker than an oil change! Cant tell you how much I appreciate this show! Thanks charlie!

★★★★★
March 24, 2024

I brought my car for break inspection due to starting to hear the squeaking noise recently. Brake shop did a thorough check on my vehicle and provided details to ensure me that my car still has good brake life that does not need a replacement at least for a while. The noise was not associated with a worn-out brake pad. Very honest, efficiently done within 1 hour and he did not charge me for the inspection. I will return with other cars. Thank you!

★★★★★
March 24, 2024

Wow!!! Completely recommend!!! Charlie is friendly, honest, and knowledgeable. What else can you ask for from a mechanic. I was in and out in 2 hrs. without an appointment. I am not from the area and I needed urgent brake work. Loud screeching coming from rear driver side tire. He attempted to get Caliper working, but it was done for. He replaced the one that was bad with a new one, same make as the one removed. Also, replaced all rear pads. Total around $400 prts and labor. 1 year/12K miles warranty. Fully recommend. Drove out feeling good about my experience at this shop. Photo shows the inner pad worn down to zero due to bad caliper. It wasnt retracting as it should. Was pushed up against rotor at all times, reason for the screeching. And for the uneven wear.

★★★★★
March 24, 2024

Super honest and trustworthy!! Thoroughly explained everything for me! Will definitely be recommending them to everyone I know.

★★★★★
Verified Reviewer
March 24, 2023

Excellent customer service, thorough, and honest!

★★★★★
March 24, 2023

You know sometimes when you go to the mechanic and you can tell youre getting screwed, this is NOT that kind of place!! I knew exactly what work I needed done, and Charlie confirmed it, took care of the repair and didnt try to up sell anything! He gave me price for the repair, which was better than other places I checked out, and did the repair well and very quickly! All of the positive feedback is 100% accurate!! This is our new go to spot for any auto maintenance!

★★★★★
March 24, 2023

Best place and best people to deal with. I had a Brake Pads Worn Out sign display on my Jaguar. I took it to them, they inspected it for free, not just that someone else could have made money by saying it needs replacement. This place is so honest, told me that it was just a loose open circuit wire and that is why the sensor was showing pads worn. DID NOT EVEN CHARGE for the time. Rare to find people who do business this way. Highly recommend.

★★★★★
Verified Reviewer
March 24, 2023

Best spot in San Diego. Very friendly staff and great pricing!

★★★★★
Verified Reviewer
March 24, 2023

Great service and honest recommendation. My brake system light was on, so I went there for checkup. He told me that my brakes are still good for 6 months. Very polite and great costumer service. I highly recommend BRAKE SHOP for your brake repair. Services

★★★★★
March 24, 2023

Charlie is an amazing person! He truly cares about his customers and will make sure you know whats going on with your brakes and wheels! 10/10

★★★★★
Verified Reviewer
March 24, 2023

Great service

★★★★★
Verified Reviewer
March 24, 2023

The mechanic knows his stuff and its rare to find real honest mechanics these days. Ill be back for all break needs!

★★★★★
Verified Reviewer
March 24, 2022

Honest, thorough work. Pricing was fair and the work was done well and quickly. I will always bring my vehicles back here.

★★★★★
Verified Reviewer
March 24, 2022

Assessed my car and didnt try to sell me service that was not needed yet. Fast service.

★★★★★
Verified Reviewer
March 24, 2022

Excellent customer service! Had brakes pads and rotors replaced, car feels so much better. Highly recommend for anyone needing brake service.

★★★★★
March 24, 2022

Was from out of town visiting San Diego and brakes were squeaking terribly. The Brake Shop provided an inspection where he said the brakes were fine but because of 3rd party quality they would squeak. He did this inspection complimentary instead of taking advantage of an out of towner. I respect this type of professional customer service.

★★★★★
Verified Reviewer
March 24, 2022

Impressive customer service.

★★★★★
Verified Reviewer
March 24, 2022

Such a great place. This shop builda long term relationships with its customers. All work is done right, the first time at reasonable rates.

★★★★★
March 24, 2022

This guy is great and honest. First visit he replaced my front brakes, said no need for rear brakes yet. 2nd visit, still not needed. Now finally getting them replaced. Who does that. Too bad he doesn t do regular repairs, I would use him in a heartbeat.

★★★★★
Verified Reviewer
March 24, 2022

Great experience getting brakes inspected. Will definitely return when I actually need new brake pads.

★★★★★
March 24, 2022

Im not one to post a lot of reviews other than negative experiences, but this guy really deserves all the good reviews that have been made about him. I didnt know him before or I didnt go with an advise of someoone , I just saw the brake service sign because it was close to my office, I decided to visit for brake maintenance due to the problem with the brakes of my wifes car, He fixed the problem without the need for a disc and pad replacement and charged me almost half of the initial estimated price charlie is a really honest and professional person Definitely recommend if you need brake service around San Diego

★★★★★
March 24, 2021

The owner is an honest man, very friendly, and easy to work with. I came in with a problem where my ebrake light was turning on. Without hesitation he took the car out for a drive, then took a look at it in his shop. In less than 15 minutes he came back with a thorough and honest report. He answered all my questions, and even went back to my car to check on a few issues I asked about. He let me know the status of my transmission fluid, coolant, and recommended a tune up involving the spark plugs. He did all the above and even topped my brake fluid off for free, before giving me a competitive price quote on replacing my ultimate issue with the back brake. I am very happy I came to this place.

★★★★★
Verified Reviewer
March 24, 2021

Amazing customer service! He was so nice, Ill totally recommend this place.

★★★★★
March 24, 2021

Charlie has been my go to car mechanic for six years. He is very professional, knowledgeable and accommodating. I saved a lot of money over the years by choosing his service over Toyota dealerships, he replaced brakes, parts of the axle, and did some minor repairs to both my old Lexus and a newer Toyota Camry. I got my oil changed and tired rotated at Charlies shop. There were a few times when I got my oil changed for free because, as Charlie put it, of all the other work I got done at his shop. Charlie is truly a man of integrity and I would very highly recommend his services to anyone!

★★★★★
March 24, 2021

Great service!

★★★★★
Verified Reviewer
March 24, 2021

Charlie was extremely professional and very friendly. He offered a great price and was detailed in his description of what work needed to be done. I felt completely comfortable leaving my car in his hands. I ve been to many other mechanics, and he s truly an honest and personable guy!

★★★★★
Verified Reviewer
March 24, 2021

Honest, prompt, and personable service. Very professional.

★★★★★
March 24, 2021

Great experience. Timely, affordable, excellent customer service!! Would definitely go back!! Thank you!

★★★★★
March 24, 2021

Was wondering how an auto repair shop could have only 5 stars until I met Charlie! I went in because I thought I needed to get new brakes. Someone quoted me for $900 to fix, I took it into Charlie and he told me my brakes were totally fine and I still had a year or so! He said it s normal for them to squeak a bit and sent me on my way. What a kind/ honest guy- I m typically the type to get ripped off and was such a great experience with him. Only regret is that I wish I brought cash so I could ve tipped him for checking out my brakes

★★★★★
Verified Reviewer
March 24, 2021

There is a reason Charlee has so many great reviews, and it is all true! He serviced my brakes well, on time, professional and honest all at a fair price! Truly a gem! I feel blessed to have found this shop! Thank you Charlee

★★★★★
March 24, 2021

Got my brakes and rotors replace. they did a great job, fast as well. happy with their service.

★★★★★
Verified Reviewer
March 24, 2020

Excellent service. Quick work. Honest guys looking to help you get your brakes done right. Ive been here twice, once to get new front brakepads, and a second time to fix the work done by another brake place. Both times I have been super satisfied with my resulting breaking power.

★★★★★
March 24, 2020

Best service ever. If you need your brake done right, this is the place.

★★★★★
Verified Reviewer
March 24, 2020

Great shop- Charlie is the best. Not pushy and does what needs to be done at a fair price. Best in town.

★★★★★
March 24, 2020

the best car repair shop i ve ever been, the employee is extremely ultimately friendly. i just wanna check out if i need to replace my brake and the employee so enthusiastically helped me for free!

★★★★★
March 24, 2019

Charlie is great! Straightforward and honest. Ive brought him a few of my cars and have been very pleased every time.

★★★★★
March 24, 2019

Yeah, 5 Star service. Probably the best experience Ive had with a mechanic. I specifically asked him what other services he did so I could be sure to come here again, should the need arise.

★★★★★
Verified Reviewer
March 24, 2019

Good honest guy. Told us we were lied to by a different shop and that we did not need new brakes. Saved us a bunch of money!

★★★★★
Verified Reviewer
March 24, 2019

Very honest, good customer service

★★★★★
March 24, 2019

I took both of our cars to Charlie for new brakes. I was quoted $600 by another place for work he did for under $400. He is straightforward about what work you actually need. The first time I took my car because the brakes were squealing at 40,000 miles. He inspected and cleaned my brakes at no charge and told me to come back in 20,000 miles because I had plenty of life left in the brake pads. When I eventually did have them replaced, the squealing continued. Charlie cleaned them again at no charge and assured me that he guaranteed his work and if need be he would resurface the offending rotor. Twice when I came in for a walk in, he dropped what he was doing to give me a quick look and make sure I wasnt wasting time waiting for my car to be serviced. Worth the drive, even from Bonita.

★★★★★
March 24, 2019

Charlie is a good honest dude took care of my BMW with great attention would come back to see him..thanks again!!

★★★★★
March 24, 2019

Extremely fast and great price. Couldn t be more pleased with my experience here!

★★★★★
Verified Reviewer
March 24, 2018

Honest and cordial people. Great service, on time and at estimate.

★★★★★
March 24, 2018

Great service, excellent people, honest and efficient.

★★★★★
Verified Reviewer
March 24, 2018

There is a reason this place is highly rated. Charlie is very nice and personable. He did the job quickly and for a good price. I would recommend this place to everyone.

★★★★★
March 24, 2017

I highly recommend The Brake Shop! My dealer told me I needed new front and rear pads. With 51K on my car, and original front pads, I knew they were due. However, my rear ones were only a year old! I took my car to The Brake Shop and had Charlie inspect my brakes. As expected, the rear ones still had plenty of life to them. It s great to find a small businessman who s honest, delivers on time and charges a fair price. I highly recommend The Brake Shop!

★★★★★
Verified Reviewer
March 24, 2017

Excellent service, good prices, quick turn around. Charlie was very professional. They only charge for what you need.

★★★★★
March 24, 2016

The owner was extremely knowledgeable and worked with some amazing accuracy and speed. He pinpointed the issue and provided a proposed solution within 15 minutes. I accepted his reasonably priced proposal and within 20 minutes he had all the replacement parts, within a very short amount of time he had completely replaced both front wheel bearings with hubs and the back brakes and the vehicle is running smoothly to this day. We were on vacation and on our way back to Kansas City and he took our vehicle in with a previous day notice. The owner was very kind and professional, I really appreciated his work and it prevented us from having a break down on the way back home. I would highly recommend this shop!!!

★★★★★
March 24, 2016

All 5 star service ! Charlie is very honest mechanic! Explained everything in details and gave good tips! Thank you Charlie! Surely use them again and recommend to all my friends !

★★★★★
March 24, 2011

Based on Chets review below, I took my vehicle in to get my brakes inspected. Charlie, the owner and chief mechanic was very cordial and knowledgeable. He put the car on a lift walked me around to each wheel and made his recommendations on what needed to be fixed and other services available. The got me back on the road within an hour and everything is works great. Charlie is a stand up guy who will tell you what you really need to get fixed and not push extras on you unnecessarily. Ill definitely be going to The Brake Shop for my auto care needs from here on out. I strongly recommend The Brake Shop!